Nats 5, Cubs 4
This is getting a little ridiculous. Nats manager Davey Johnson said after his team again grabbed an odd win that his team seems to only play “interesting games.” I’d say that’s an apt description of a game where a batter misses a sign for a play a manager hates. Only the manager then calls for the play again – and it works. Michael Morse dodged one bullet when teammate Wilson Ramos didn’t catch the suicide squeeze sign from third-base coach Bo Porter. But he was happy to get another chance two pitches later. Read all about the winning play in our game story here.
Meanwhile, once the Nats took the lead closer Drew Storen began mentally preparing for his usual ninth-inning role. At least he did until Johnson called down to the bullpen to say he would stick with reliever Henry Rodriguez, who pitched a perfect eighth inning. Storen reacted like a kid on a trip to the grocery store with his mom after she says ‘No candy!”.
“My favorite thing to do is pitch in the ninth inning,” Storen said when explaining why he fumed to bullpen coach Jim Lett. “I understand. Henry pretty much dominated the eighth and I’ve thrown a lot. I just was fired up anyways…But I didn’t really do anything. I was just standing there and stayed on my toes.”
So maybe it wasn’t quite the tantrum Johnson heard it was. Good thing Storen was ready, though, because Johnson relented and let his closer earn save No. 22. But that may be it for the 23-year-old for a few days. Johnson is mindful of his young reliever’s arm and didn’t want to pitch him on Wednesday at all. Storen has made 43 appearances in 2011. He made 54 all of last season. Not that he asked Johnson if a day off was coming. He’d rather not know. But is there a limit to how often Storen can go?
“Haven’t found one yet.”
Some hyperbole there. Storen has thrown a couple days in a row a few times. And this time he’s gone in five of the last six games. But that’s not ideal, according to Johnson. The way to get through that? He’s learned to save his pitches, to warm up more efficiently in the bullpen. Storen heard a rumor that longtime San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman needed just eight pitches to get loose in the bullpen. He figured it couldn’t be true and asked Hoffman about it last season. Turns out it was. Storen has also cut down on his pregame throwing and makes sure he does his exercises after every game he pitches and ices his arm properly. But he can’t keep up this kind of pace. Either the Nats need to start winning some laughers or Johnson will find Storen some help.
“Looking for another guy that can be comfortable in that role,” Johnson said. “If you’re going to be 10, 20, 30 games over .500 you have to have somebody [else]. Two or three of my closers when we’re on a roll have come to me and said ‘Hey skip, I need a day off.’ I want to groom that guy that can come in and pick up the slack.”
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